What makes a subpoena invalid?

Asked by: Frederique Ullrich PhD  |  Last update: March 17, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)

A court must quash or modify a subpoena if it does not allow a reasonable time to comply, requires travel of more than 100 miles, requires disclosure of privileged information, or creates an undue burden.

How to invalidate a subpoena?

File a motion to quash: This is a formal request to the court to nullify the subpoena. You must provide reasons why the subpoena is invalid or improper. Seek legal advice: Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your rights and the best course of action.

What are valid reasons to quash a subpoena?

On a timely motion, the issuing court must quash or modify a subpoena that:
  • Fails to allow a reasonable amount of time to comply.
  • Requires a person who is neither a party nor a party's officer to travel more than 100 miles from where that person resides, is employed, or regular transacts business in person.

What are three common elements of a valid subpoena?

A valid subpoena should include the following: The name of the court issuing the subpoena. The name, address, and contact details of the attorney who initiated the subpoena. The names of the parties involved.

What are reasons to get out of a subpoena?

Valid reasons to get out of a subpoena may include: Did not receive or was not personally served with a subpoena; Medical emergency. Family emergency.

What if You Can't Make a Subpoena? : Law & Insurance Questions

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Why would a subpoena be denied?

Crim. P. 17(c) allows the court in a criminal proceeding to quash a subpoena duces tecum that it determines to be unreasonable or oppressive. Where information requested in a subpoena is unduly burdensome, disclosure of the information may be denied.

Can a subpoena be dismissed?

There is a process by which a subpoena can be rejected by the court. Your attorney would have some motions to file on your behalf and the justification needs to be good. Don't even think about trying the pro se - you need an attorney. It all comes down to the prosecutor's discretion.

What is the burden of proof for a subpoena?

The burden of proof rests on the subpoenaing party to make a "clear and convincing showing" that the privilege does not apply.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

What are objections for subpoena?

Common grounds for objecting to a third-party subpoena for documents include:
  • Improper service.
  • Improper issuance.
  • Vague, ambiguous, and unreasonable requests.
  • Insufficient time to reply.
  • Disclosure of privileged or confidential information.
  • Disclosure of trade secrets.
  • Undue burden or expense.
  • Inaccessible data.

How do you void a subpoena?

Any person served with a subpoena who does not intend to comply shall, within 5 days after the date of service of the subpoena upon such person, petition in writing to revoke the subpoena. A copy of any petition to revoke a subpoena shall be served on the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued.

How do you get around a subpoena?

Quashing a subpoena includes filing an objection and citing legally valid reasons for avoiding the duty of appearing. An attorney can help you file an objection and evaluate your chances to avoid the subpoena.

Can my phone records be subpoenaed without my knowledge?

Phone records can be subpoenaed without notifying the owner in certain legal circumstances, primarily when the records hold key evidence for a case. Courts may issue a subpoena if the records are critical to uncovering the truth in criminal investigations, civil disputes, or other legal proceedings.

Can a witness decline a subpoena?

Don't Ignore a Witness Subpoena

That means failure to comply with the subpoena could subject you to a show cause hearing—where you will be summoned before the judge to explain your failure to appear or even to punishment for contempt of court. Thus, ignoring the subpoena is not an option.

When can a subpoena be ignored?

If the Subpoena is from US Senate or Congress, you can ignore it forever because no one ever enforces them. However, if it is from a Court of Law, or USA Criminal Court you will need to ask your Attorney or hire an attorney pronto. You will probably have to “substantially” comply with the subpoena.

Can I plead the 5th when subpoenaed?

The Fifth Amendment can be invoked only in certain situations. An individual can only invoke the Fifth Amendment in response to a communication that is compelled, such as through a subpoena or other legal process. The communication must also be testimonial in nature.

What happens if someone lies about being served?

If you are being served with legal papers, it is not against the law for you to lie to the process server. However, if the court finds out that you lied, there may be consequences. The court may deem that you are in contempt of court and may impose sanctions against you.

What if a subpoena is served to the wrong address?

If you have actual knowledge of the subpoena you are required to comply with it. The remedy available to people that issue subpoenas which are not complied with is an arrest warrant to be issued. When you get arrested, you can argue about whether or not the right address was on the subpoena.

What is an example of improper service?

Serving the Wrong Person

Whether it's serving someone with the same (or similar) name than the intended defendant, delivering to an outdated address, or even attempting service for an individual who is deceased, a simple case of mistaken identity can seriously jeopardize your case.

How to quash a subpoena?

Any person to whom a subpoena is directed, or any party, may file a motion to quash or limit the subpoena. The motion must include reasons why compliance with the subpoena should not be required or the subpoena's scope should be limited. A party must file the motion with the judge and serve it on the other parties.

Can a subpoena be cancelled?

The Administrative Law Judge or the Board, as the case may be, will revoke the subpoena if in their opinion the evidence whose production is required does not relate to any matter under investigation or in question in the proceedings or the subpoena does not describe with sufficient particularity the evidence whose ...

What are the three types of subpoenas?

Three common types of subpoena are – Subpoena duces tecum, deposition subpoena, and witness subpoena.

Is there a way to get out of a subpoena?

Choosing to try and avoid a subpoena is not an easy process. The person will need to hire an attorney, pay attorney fees in most cases, and will need to prepare a motion. If the motion fails, or if there are other reasons that a party may need the person to testify, they may not be excused.

Can a subpoena be rejected?

Generally speaking, a person who is subpoenaed cannot refuse to provide testimony. However, there are certain situations in which a person may have a legal right to deny giving testimony.

How long do subpoenas last?

If it is a subpoena as distinguished from a case starting summons and complaint, a subpoena expires on its return date. But a summons is good for 90 days after the starting of the law suit and can be served alternatively to in hand service.